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Visiting Brisbane: How Long Should You Stay?
For sure, you’re excited about your upcoming adventure to one of the best places in the world – Australia!
And like the Aussies say, you can’t truly say that you’ve been in the “Land Down Under” unless you’ve been to Brisbane.
We already have a long list of reasons for you to visit the country’s sunshine capital. So, the next question is: how many days should you spend in Brisbane?
What is Brisbane City?
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland located on the southern end of the state. It’s also Queensland’s most populous city and the third most populous city in the country.
Brisbane is known for being the “sunshine city” that offers one of the most diverse lists of attractions among all cities in Australia.
Here, you’ll find everything from the best art galleries, restaurants and flea markets. Brisbane also boasts of a laidback lifestyle that highlights the beauty of the Brisbane River.
How many days should you spend in Brisbane?
Two to three days is the ideal time to spend in Brisbane if you’d like to explore the city’s top spots, especially if you’re on a multi-city tour.
But if you want to immerse yourself in Brisbane culture and visit sites in and around town, allocating a week would be great.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
Being the capital of Queensland, which is known as the “Sunshine State,” you can expect a lot of tourists visiting Brisbane during the summer.
So, if you want lesser crowds and the best weather, it’s ideal to visit the city from March to May during fall or September to November in spring.
What do you need to know about visiting Brisbane?
Ready to explore Brisbane? These tips should come handy:
- Be prepared for the sun.
Brisbane is called the sunshine city for a reason, and that’s because it’s hot and sunny for most of the year.
It doesn’t matter where you’re visiting. Make sure to pack your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Pack the right clothes.
Your Brisbane wardrobe should consist of light, airy clothes that will help you beat the sweltering heat.
But if you’re visiting during the cooler months, try to pack a cardigan or jacket since it can get chilly, especially at night.
- Plan your trip ahead.
Whether you’re staying for a couple of days or an entire week, it’s very important to keep a list of everything that you want to do while in Brisbane.
This will keep you from getting overwhelmed with everything this city has to offer and ensure that you make the most of your stay.
- Book everything months prior.
Brisbane is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Australia, so things can get pricier during the peak season.
To keep your travel costs low, it’s best to book your airline, accommodation and even restaurant reservations months prior to get discounts and avoid hassles later.
- Be familiar with the city’s public transport.
Brisbane has an excellent public transport network consisting of trains, buses and ferries.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on cab rides, learn about these modes of transport before your trip.
Also, make sure to buy your TransLink Go Card to pay for your fare when going around the city.
How do you get around Brisbane?
Trains: Brisbane’s railway network helps you visit different attractions around the city and even the suburbs.
In fact, you can easily plan your itinerary based on the different train stations across the system using the Journey Planner tool.
Buses: Brisbane also has an impressive bus system that allows you to travel around Brisbane easily.
Since there are several dedicated busways in Brisbane, you don’t need to worry about the traffic when riding the bus.
Ferries: If you want to travel by water, you can take the CityHopper ferry for free or ride the CityCat ferry using your Go Card.
Taxis: There are plenty of taxis from Black and White Cabs and 13cabs traveling around Brisbane.
You can also book a ride through Uber, DiDi, GoCatch or Ola.
Car service: You have the option to rent a car to drive around Brisbane or arrange for private transfers with your hotel or travel agency.
What is a typical three-day Brisbane itinerary?
With everything that Brisbane has to offer, we know planning your itinerary can get overwhelming.
But you don’t need to worry because we created a sample three-day itinerary covering everything that you need to see, do and experience while in Brisbane.
Day One – Exploring Brisbane’s Culture
Image source: Jucy Rentals
Our journey begins with a cultural tour around Brisbane where you get the chance to learn about the city’s history and culture.
- Brisbane City Hall
Start your day at the Brisbane City Hall, the largest of its kind in the country and the seat of the Brisbane City Council.
You can book a free guided tour to this landmark and even go up to the City Hall clock tower where you get the best views of the city.
- Aboriginal Cultural Tour
One of the best ways to learn more about Brisbane’s history and culture is by booking a cultural tour with an Aboriginal guide.
This tour highlights the different historical and cultural sites in the city, especially those along the Brisbane river.
You also get to visit exhibits, trails and shops that showcase the rich Aboriginal art and products.
- Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
QAGOMA is one of the best art galleries in all of Australia, so a visit should be in order.
The Queensland Art Gallery was established in 1895 and the Gallery of Modern Art was added in 2006 to highlight the city’s collection of contemporary art.
- Queensland Performing Arts Center
End your cultural tour with a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Center, one of the best venues for cultural shows, theater performances and concerts in the city.
Day Two – Going Around the City
Image source: Kangaroo Point News
On day two, we’ll take you through some of the must-visit spots around Brisbane.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and be open to adventure, and the city will surely surprise you.
- Story Bridge Climb
The majestic Story Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landmarks in Brisbane.
And if you’re up for a good adventure and you don’t fear heights, you should put climbing the iconic bridge on your Brisbane bucket list.
At 80 meters high, you’ll get the best view of the entire city including its buildings, mountain ranges and of course, the beautiful Brisbane river.
- Howard Smith Wharves
If you want to experience Brisbane’s laidback lifestyle, you should head to Howard Smith Wharves, a riverside recreational space under the Story Bridge.
Go on a stroll along the boardwalk and stop by different dining spots serving everything from sandwiches to gourmet meals.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Of course, no visit to Brisbane would be complete without seeing-and cuddling- the koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Here, you get to experience cuddling and feeding the koalas, seeing the Australia raptors, and feeding the wild lorikeets.
- Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is one of the most loved neighborhoods in all of Brisbane, thanks to its lively dining, music and shopping scene.
Visit James Street for some serious designer shopping, head to Valley Markets for local goods and dine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 3 – Indulging in Brisbane’s Food Scene
Image source: Must Do Brisbane
Brisbane is one of the best places in Queensland to visit if you’re a foodie. So, we allocated day three for some serious gastronomic pleasure with this itinerary.
- Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore has been the go-to spot for foodies since 2013.
This food and entertainment hub is located in an old docking site in Hamilton where more than 50 shipping containers have been transformed into food stalls.
You won’t be disappointed with all the food choices that you’ll find in Eat Street Northshore.
Here, you can find everything from classic hamburgers to escargot. So bring your appetite and be prepared for a gastronomic adventure.
- Restaurant Dan Arnold
Restaurant Dan Arnold is an icon in Brisbane’s food scene for its unique approach to fine dining.
The brainchild of the award-winning chef, this restaurant offers three- and five-course meals as well as a carte blanche experience.
This means being treated to up to eight courses that are well-curated in Chef Dan Arnold’s kitchen.
- Agnes
You need to be very lucky to get a table at Agnes. But if you do, it will surely be one of the best meals of your life.
Agnes is known for cooking everything over fire. Yes, you won’t find any stovetops in this restaurant, which also gives its food a distinct flavor.
Feast over smoked meats, flatbreads and even desserts in a beautiful dining setup with its own rooftop terrace.
- Rogue Bistro
A restaurant meant for a proper sit-down meal, Rogue Bistro is located in one of Brisbane’s industrial areas that makes it different from your typical restaurant.
It also offers a six-course degustation menu that changes monthly, and it caters to pescetarian, vegan and plant-based preferences to the delight of its patrons.
- Same Same
Located right next to The Calile Hotel, Same Same is your classic but not average restaurant with a modern take to traditional Thai dishes.
Sit back and relax while enjoying the restaurant’s fresh ambiance as you wait to indulge in your food fresh from the kitchen.
- SK Steak and Oyster
They say you can never go wrong with a good steak and seafood combo for a great meal. And when you’re in Brisbane, SK Steak and Oyster is the place to be.
This New York Steakhouse doesn’t disappoint with its fresh seafood platters and premium steaks.
Of course, you can’t skip the restaurant’s equally delicious sides including the famous Romanoff potatoes.
Where to Stay in Brisbane
Miss Midgley’s
Address: 135 James Street – New Farm – Queensland 4005 – Australia
Phone: +61 1300 631 212
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a place that combines sophisticated luxury with the comforts of home, Miss Midgley’s in New Farm gives you the best of both worlds.
Perfect for longer stays, this luxury boutique hotel used to be one of the city’s oldest heritage homes.
Today, it’s one of the best accommodations in the city where you get to enjoy individual apartments while being close to Brisbane’s dining and shopping district.
The Calile Hotel
Address: 48 James Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia
Phone: 07 3607 5888
Pricing: $$$
Modern yet charming – these are just some of the things that make The Calile Hotel the best in Brisbane.
In fact, it ranked 12th on the World’s 50 Best Hotels, thanks to its well-appointed rooms and suites.
The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor pool, spa and restaurant where you can enjoy good food without leaving your accommodation.
Crystalbrook Vincent
Address: 5 Boundary Street – Brisbane City – Queensland 4000 – Australia
Phone: 07 3515 0700
Pricing: $$$
Crystalbrook Vincent is considered the most sustainable hotel in Brisbane and features some of the best views of the iconic Story Bridge.
Being near the water, the hotel offers a relaxing vibe with beautiful art furnishings for that unique charm.
Crystalbrook Vincent also takes pride in its waste-free and plastic-free bathrooms where it uses products made from recycled material throughout the hotel.
Hotel X
Address: 458 Brunswick Street – Fortitude Valley – Queensland 4006 – Australia
Phone: 07 3519 1000
Pricing: $$
The hip and trendy Hotel X on Howard Smith Wharves is definitely one of the best options if you’re looking for luxury and convenience.
The hotel also boasts of one of the best rooftop pools in Brisbane and a world-class French restaurant.
W Hotel Brisbane
Address: 81 N Quay – Brisbane City – Queensland 4000 – Australia
Phone: 07 3556 8888
Pricing: $$$
Treat yourself to the ultimate holiday at the beautiful W Hotel Brisbane overlooking South Bank.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are nothing short of spectacular and you also get to enjoy the W Hotel’s signature brand of hospitality along with its modern amenities.
What to Expect from Weather in Brisbane
Summer: Running from December to February, summer is the hottest time in Brisbane but also the highest rainfall in the city.
Autumn: Autumn runs from March to May with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius. This is one of the best times to visit the city since there’s less heat and rain.
Winter: From June to August, Brisbane experiences cold and dry days with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees Celsius at night.
Spring: The most ideal time to visit Brisbane, spring lasts from September to November.
